Arizona Students Walk On to Rewards

PHOENIX — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona teamed with Arizona schools to get fifth-graders across the state moving with Walk On!, an educational program designed to motivate and reward children with a month-long walking challenge in February. With the support of educators throughout the state, 20,000 Arizona fifth-graders registered to participate.

“As a leader in our state's health community, we are committed to finding creative ways to tackle important health issues such as the growing rate of childhood obesity,” said Richard Boals, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “One of the first steps to good health is physical activity, and we are excited about launching the Walk On! program and working with schools to get kids motivated.”

Program participants received a tool kit consisting of a cinch sack, a pedometer, a program guide with tracking calendar and a membership card. During the month-long challenge, students will track their progress, and those who complete all 10,000 steps every day for the month will be eligible to win one of 10 iPod nanos. All students who return their participation card will receive a T-shirt as a reward. In addition, the school with the highest percentage of successful Walk On! participants will receive a $2,500 grant toward a future fitness-oriented activity for their school.